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  1. Who is going to lead the meeting?
  2. What are included in the opening of the meeting?

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Making �a start

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CONTENTS

MAKING SMALL TALK

01

VOCABULARY

02

03

MAKING A START

04

PRACTICE

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MATCHING

Match the verbs on the left with phrasal verbs on the right that have the same meaning.

  1. discuss
  2. review
  3. finalize
  4. examine
  5. consider

a. go back over

b. think about

c. look at

d. talk about

e. finish off

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 /ˈkɑːn.fɚ.əns/

conference

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/seɪlz ˈfɪɡjər/

sales figures

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 /ˈbʌdʒ.ɪt/

budget

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 /ˈstræt̬.ə.dʒi/

strategy

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 /ˈbʌdʒ.ɪt/

factory

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Complete the sentences using the words given.

conference

sales figures

budget

strategy

factory

1. Right. This morning we'll be looking at ways of cutting costs and next year’s ..........................

2. The annual .......................... is next week, so we’ll be finishing off our final preparations this morning.

3. We need some ideas to increase our sales, so we’ll be talking about a new ......................... this afternoon.

4. There have been three accidents in the ......................... in the last month. This morning we’ll be going back and over our health and safety guidelines.

5. We also be looking at this month’s ......................... and talking about ways that we can improve upon them.

budget

conference

stategy

factory

sales figures

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CONTENTS

MAKING SMALL TALK

01

VOCABULARY

02

05

PRACTICE

03

MAKING A START

04

FORMAL AND INFORMAL

AGENDA

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Small talk

Small talk is used to break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere before the real business begins. For instance:

  • How long have you worked for your company?
  • Did you come here by plane?
  • Is this the first time you’ve come here for a meeting?
  • Do you know my colleague,...?